In a wave of dissatisfaction, teacher trainees in the 46 colleges of education across the country have voiced their frustration over the treatment they are receiving from the government.
These trainees, who are preparing to become educators, believe that the government does not prioritize their academic needs and has failed to support them adequately.
Trainees have raised concerns about the shortened academic year, which has been reduced from 8 months to just 5.8 months, divided into four phases.
They argue that this condensed schedule does not allow them sufficient time to cover the necessary coursework effectively.
However, despite the truncated timeframe, trainees are still expected to complete the same amount of work as before, placing additional pressure on them.
Compounding the issue, trainees are required to send their personal belongings home at the end of each phase. This practice, while intended to ensure smooth transitions, has become a financial burden for the trainees.
Moreover, the government has significantly reduced their allowance, leading some trainees to feel undervalued and unsupported. This sharp decrease in financial support suggests that the government views teacher trainees as a burden rather than an investment in the future of education.
See this: The Inimical Impact of the Double Track System on Colleges of Education
The already challenging situation is further exacerbated by frequent strikes initiated by the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG).
These strikes, prompted by the government’s reluctance to meet the teachers’ demands, ultimately harm the trainees. The disruptions caused by these actions disrupt the learning environment and hinder the progress of teacher trainees.
Check out: Uncertainty Looms Over Third-Year Teacher Trainees’ End-of-Semester Examination amid CETAG Strike
In light of these grievances, teacher trainees are urging the government to pay attention to their needs and prioritize the development of colleges of education-build more infrastructure to curtail the double-track system.
They argue that the current allowances provided are insufficient to meet their basic requirements and impede their ability to focus on their studies effectively.
Read: CoE Principal Calls For Cancellation of Teacher Trainees’ Allowance.
The plea from the trainees is clear: they implore the government to address these issues promptly, as the current system, including the double-track system, is detrimental both to their well-being and to the quality of education they aspire to deliver in future classrooms.